Ethel
Ethel: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɛθɪl/
Meaning and origin of Ethel
Root meaning: “noble”
- A female given name from Old English, popular at the turn of the 20th century.
Etymology
Short form of names of Old English origin beginning with Ethel-, æþele (“noble”). First used in the 19th century. Cognate to the Germanic Adela and Adele.
How popular is Ethel?
Since 1880, 278,922 girls and 1,490 boys in the U.S. have been named Ethel (99% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #6 in 1896. Its highest rank for boys was #406 in 1898. In 2025, 34 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Ethel
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More English girl names
Sibling name ideas for Ethel
Sister and brother names that share Ethel's English roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Ethel FAQ
What does the name Ethel mean?
Ethel traces back to a root meaning "noble". A female given name from Old English, popular at the turn of the 20th century. Short form of names of Old English origin beginning with Ethel-, æþele (“noble”). First used in the 19th century. Cognate to the Germanic Adela and Adele.
What is the origin of the name Ethel?
Ethel is listed as a name of English origin.
How popular is the name Ethel?
Since 1880, 278,922 girls and 1,490 boys in the U.S. have been named Ethel (99% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #6 in 1896. Its highest rank for boys was #406 in 1898. In 2025, 34 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Ethel a boy or girl name?
Ethel is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 278,922 girls and 1,490 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.